Relevance theory

Definition

Relevance theory is a cognitive approach to understanding communication that suggests that human cognition is geared toward maximizing relevance in social interactions. This theory emphasizes the importance of context in determining how information is processed, arguing that people automatically seek out information that is both new and useful to them, thus shaping their understanding and response to messages.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Relevance theory was developed by cognitive scientists Dan Sperber and Deirdre Wilson in the 1980s as a way to explain how people interpret messages in a context-sensitive manner.
2. According to relevance theory, an assertion is considered relevant if it provides sufficient cognitive effects with minimal processing effort, guiding individuals' attention towards pertinent information.
3. The theory posits that communicative acts are not just about transferring information but also about engaging listeners' cognitive abilities to derive meaning from the context.
4. Relevance theory can help explain why some statements or questions may be understood differently based on prior knowledge or situational context, emphasizing the role of individual cognitive processes.
5. This approach has implications for various fields, including linguistics, philosophy of language, and communication studies, as it shifts focus from traditional logical forms to the complexities of human reasoning.

Review Questions

• How does relevance theory connect to our understanding of human communication and information processing?
  • Relevance theory connects to our understanding of human communication by highlighting that individuals prioritize information that offers the most relevance based on their personal contexts and needs. This approach suggests that people are naturally inclined to seek out information that provides maximum cognitive benefits with minimal effort. Consequently, it emphasizes the interplay between context, cognitive processing, and meaning-making in communication.
• In what ways does relevance theory challenge traditional views of logic and reasoning in communication?
  • Relevance theory challenges traditional views of logic by suggesting that communication involves more than just logical deductions and formal structures. Instead, it posits that context plays a crucial role in shaping how messages are interpreted. This perspective shifts the focus from rigid logical forms to the fluid nature of human reasoning, where relevance determines the effectiveness of communication rather than strict adherence to logical principles.
• Evaluate the implications of relevance theory for analyzing everyday conversations and its potential limitations.
  • Evaluating relevance theory reveals significant implications for analyzing everyday conversations, as it underscores how context influences comprehension and engagement. It allows us to appreciate why misunderstandings may arise when shared knowledge isn't considered. However, potential limitations include its reliance on subjective interpretations of relevance, which may vary widely among individuals. This variability can complicate efforts to establish universal principles of communication across diverse contexts.

Related terms

Pragmatics: The branch of linguistics that studies the use of language in social contexts, focusing on how meaning is constructed beyond the literal interpretation of words.

Cognitive Science: An interdisciplinary field that examines how the mind processes information, encompassing psychology, linguistics, philosophy, and neuroscience.

Implicature: A concept in pragmatics where a speaker implies something beyond what is explicitly stated, relying on context for the listener to infer the intended meaning.